Flexible composite ultracentrifuge rotor

Abstract

An ultracentrifuge rotor is characterized by a hub having radially outwardly extending curved spokes. The outer ends of the spokes are received in a groove defined on the inner peripheral surface of an annular rim. Sample carriers are affixed to the rim at circumferentially spaced locations defined between adjacent pairs of spokes. As the rotor rotates the disparity in physical properties between the hub and the rim as well as the flattening of the curvature of the spokes causes the hub to grow to an extent at least equal to that of the growth of the rim.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 
     
       1. A centrifuge rotor comprising: an annular rim having a circumferential groove disposed on the radially inner surface thereof, the rim having a first predetermined stiffness associated therewith;   a hub formed of a plurality of laminae, the hub having a central body portion and an array of radially outwardly extending curved spokes, the radially outer ends of each of the spokes being received in driving relationship within the groove disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the rim, the hub having a second predetermined stiffness associated therewith;   an array of sample carriers mounted to the rim at circumferential locations thereon defined between adjacent pairs of spokes; and   the rotor being rotatable to a predetermined rotational speed whereby centrifugal force acts on the hub and the rim to cause them to grow radially outwardly due to the disparity in stiffness and to the flattening of the curved portion of the spokes, the growth of the hub being at least equal to that of the rim.   
     
     
       2. The rotor of claim 1 wherein the spokes curve upwardly relative to the plane of the central body portion. 
     
     
       3. The rotor of claim 1 wherein the spokes curve downwardly relative to the plane of the central body portion. 
     
     
       4. The rotor of claim 1 wherein each sample carrier comprises a member having a sample receiving opening therein, one surface of the member being shaped in correspondence to the shape of the inner surface of the rim, the surface having a projection threon sized for close fitting receipt in the groove in the rim, the carrier being configured to substantially uniformly distribute its mass and the mass of a sample receivable therein to the rim. 
     
     
       5. The rotor of claim 2 wherein each sample carrier comprises a member having a sample receiving opening therein, one surface of the member being shaped in correspondence to the shape of the inner surface of the rim, the surface having a projection thereon sized for close fitting receipt in the groove in the rim, the carrier being configured to substantially uniformly distribute its mass and the mass of a sample receivable therein to the rim. 
     
     
       6. The rotor of claim 3 wherein each sample carrier comprises a member having a sample receiving openeing therein, one surface of the member being shaped in correspondence to the shape of the inner surface of the rim, the surface having a porjection thereon sized for close fitting receipt in the groove in the rim, the carrier being configured to substantially uniformly distribute its mass and the mass of a sample receivable therein to the rim. 
     
     
       7. The rotor of claim 4 wherein the member has at least one cutout formed therein. 
     
     
       8. The rotor of claim 5 wherein the member has at least one cutout formed therein. 
     
     
       9. The rotor of claim 6 wherein the member has at least one cutout formed therein. 
     
     
       10. The rotor of claim 4 wherein the axis of the sample receiving opening is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. 
     
     
       11. The rotor of claim 5 wherein the axis of the sample receiving opening is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. 
     
     
       12. The rotor of claim 6 wherein the axis of the sample receiving opening is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. 
     
     
       13. The rotor of claim 4 wherein the axis of the sample receiving opening is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor. 
     
     
       14. Thr rotor of claim 5 wherein the axis of the sample receiving opening is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor. 
     
     
       15. The rotor of claim 6 wherein the axis of the sample receiving opening is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor.